On this week’s Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Elizabeth Klise, executive director of the Peoria Historical Society, about the exhibition "Joseph Petarde: Maestro of Stone," on view Oct. 1-28 at Peoria Public Library’s Main Library.

The exhibition explores the life and work of Italian immigrant and master stone carver Joseph Petarde, whose sculptures and architectural details can still be found throughout Peoria. Nearly 40 large-scale photographs by Petarde’s great-great-grandson, photographer Seth Lowe, provide a closer look at the artistry, craftsmanship, and whimsy of Peoria's "forgotten sculptor."

An opening reception takes place Oct. 3 from 1-3 p.m., coinciding with the City of Peoria’s proclamation of Joseph Petarde Day.

On this week&rsquo;s Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Elizabeth Klise, executive director of the Peoria Historical Society, about the exhibition "Joseph Petarde: Maestro of Stone," on view Oct. 1-28 at Peoria Public Library&rsquo;s Main Library.
The exhibition explores the life and work of Italian immigrant and master stone carver Joseph Petarde, whose sculptures and architectural details can still be found throughout Peoria. Nearly 40 large-scale photographs by Petarde&rsquo;s great-great-grandson, photographer Seth Lowe, provide a closer look at the artistry, craftsmanship, and whimsy of Peoria's "forgotten sculptor."
An opening reception takes place Oct. 3 from 1-3 p.m., coinciding with the City of Peoria&rsquo;s proclamation of Joseph Petarde Day.

A weekly spotlight on arts activities in Central Illinois. Every Friday, host Mae Gilliland Wright of Arts Partners of Central Illinois talks with area actors, musicians, artists and community leaders about an upcoming arts event. Out and About is supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

A weekly spotlight on arts activities in Central Illinois. Every Friday, host Mae Gilliland Wright of Arts Partners of Central Illinois talks with area actors, musicians, artists and community leaders about an upcoming arts event. Out and About is supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Out and About

A weekly spotlight on arts activities in Central Illinois. Each week, host Mae Gilliland Wright of Arts Partners of Central Illinois talks with area actors, musicians, artists and community leaders about an upcoming arts event. Out and About is supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

A weekly spotlight on arts activities in Central Illinois. Each week, host Mae Gilliland Wright of Arts Partners of Central Illinois talks with area actors, musicians, artists and community leaders about an upcoming arts event. Out and About is supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Photo exhibit explores Peoria's 'forgotten sculptor' Joseph Petarde

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois turns the tables on longtime Peoria broadcaster, fitness professional, motivational speaker and Peoria Civic Center Authority Board Vice Chair Yvonne Greer to explore some of her favorite ways to experience Central Illinois.

A supporter of local arts and entertainment, Greer says she regularly looks for new ways to discover live music, performances and exhibitions throughout the region. From the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair and outdoor concerts at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, to community festivals in Tremont and Morton, she especially enjoys opportunities to experience multiple art forms in one outing.

“If there’s music and dancing or music and an art exhibit, all the better for me,” Greer notes.

Greer also reflects on her more than a decade of service with the Peoria Civic Center Authority Board. She describes her awe of the behind-the-scenes work required to transform its arena between sporting events, concerts and other productions.

Beyond the performing arts, Greer enjoys Greater Peoria's outdoor spaces, particularly the Rock Island Trail, where she regularly walks and bikes. With nearby parks, restaurants, and gathering places, she says the trail offers opportunities for both exercise and community connection.

Looking ahead, Greer hopes to take a leading role in a major community project, whether developing a new event or helping bring a big idea to life. Listen to the full conversation for a little inspiration on where to go, what to see and what to experience next in central Illinois. 

On this week&rsquo;s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois turns the tables on longtime Peoria broadcaster, fitness professional, motivational speaker and Peoria Civic Center Authority Board Vice Chair Yvonne Greer to explore some of her favorite ways to experience Central Illinois.
A supporter of local arts and entertainment, Greer says she regularly looks for new ways to discover live music, performances and exhibitions throughout the region. From the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair and outdoor concerts at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, to community festivals in Tremont and Morton, she especially enjoys opportunities to experience multiple art forms in one outing.
&ldquo;If there&rsquo;s music and dancing or music and an art exhibit, all the better for me,&rdquo; Greer notes.
Greer also reflects on her more than a decade of service with the Peoria Civic Center Authority Board. She describes her awe of the behind-the-scenes work required to transform its arena between sporting events, concerts and other productions.
Beyond the performing arts, Greer enjoys Greater Peoria's outdoor spaces, particularly the Rock Island Trail, where she regularly walks and bikes. With nearby parks, restaurants, and gathering places, she says the trail offers opportunities for both exercise and community connection.
Looking ahead, Greer hopes to take a leading role in a major community project, whether developing a new event or helping bring a big idea to life. Listen to the full conversation for a little inspiration on where to go, what to see and what to experience next in central Illinois.&nbsp;

Yvonne Greer’s guide to arts and culture in Greater Peoria

On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Rick Blanco, founder of Casablanco Creative, about Blood Moon, an immersive vampire-themed experience transforming Obed & Isaac’s in downtown Peoria throughout October.

Set within the historic 1889 church building, Blood Moon combines theatrical installations, atmospheric lighting, live entertainment and gothic-inspired artwork to create an environment where guests become part of the story. Blanco explains that the experience is built around a fictional truce between humans and vampires, allowing visitors to enter their world without becoming the evening’s next meal.

“Hopefully as you walk in, you’re going to feel like you’re immersed in it,” Blanco said.

Three distinct ticketed experiences take place Thursday through Saturday across the final three weekends of October. Thursdays feature Bloodlines: Moonlit Feast, an intimate wine tasting and dinner inspired by vampire cinema. Fridays bring Crimson Spirits: A Haunted Cabaret, featuring opera singer Jennifer Rosa, musical duo Black Velvet, fire juggling, belly dancing, tarot readings and performances unfolding throughout the venue. Saturdays feature Vampire Ball: Dance of the Immortals, with themed costumes, dancing and a Halloween night celebration.

For Blanco, who also creates gothic-inspired fine art under the name Dienzo, the event is an extension of his long-standing fascination with the romance, mystery and visual artistry of vampire lore.

Blood Moon continues throughout October at Obed & Isaac’s in Peoria, with special ticketed experiences Oct. 15–17, 22–24 and 29–31 for guests ages 21 and older. A partnership with Four Points Sheraton Peoria also offers special hotel rates for visitors interested in extending their stay in Peoria.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Rick Blanco, founder of Casablanco Creative, about Blood Moon, an immersive vampire-themed experience transforming Obed &amp; Isaac&rsquo;s in downtown Peoria throughout October.
Set within the historic 1889 church building, Blood Moon combines theatrical installations, atmospheric lighting, live entertainment and gothic-inspired artwork to create an environment where guests become part of the story. Blanco explains that the experience is built around a fictional truce between humans and vampires, allowing visitors to enter their world without becoming the evening&rsquo;s next meal.
&ldquo;Hopefully as you walk in, you&rsquo;re going to feel like you&rsquo;re immersed in it,&rdquo; Blanco said.
Three distinct ticketed experiences take place Thursday through Saturday across the final three weekends of October. Thursdays feature Bloodlines: Moonlit Feast, an intimate wine tasting and dinner inspired by vampire cinema. Fridays bring Crimson Spirits: A Haunted Cabaret, featuring opera singer Jennifer Rosa, musical duo Black Velvet, fire juggling, belly dancing, tarot readings and performances unfolding throughout the venue. Saturdays feature Vampire Ball: Dance of the Immortals, with themed costumes, dancing and a Halloween night celebration.
For Blanco, who also creates gothic-inspired fine art under the name Dienzo, the event is an extension of his long-standing fascination with the romance, mystery and visual artistry of vampire lore.
<a href="https://www.connshg.com/obed-and-isaacs/peoria/Event/3424/Blood-Moon-at-Obed-Isaacs/">Blood Moon</a> continues throughout October at Obed &amp; Isaac&rsquo;s in Peoria, with special ticketed experiences Oct. 15&ndash;17, 22&ndash;24 and 29&ndash;31 for guests ages 21 and older. A partnership with Four Points Sheraton Peoria also offers special hotel rates for visitors interested in extending their stay in Peoria.

Casablanco Creative presents Blood Moon Oct. 15-31 in downtown Peoria

On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks to Director Jake Van Hoorn about Dracula, on stage Oct. 9-11 and 15-18 at Peoria Players Theatre.

Adapted by playwright Steven Dietz, this version stays close to Stoker’s original novel, restoring characters, scenes and even some of the more gruesome elements often left out of other stage adaptations. In doing so, it leaves behind the romanticized Dracula familiar from some modern interpretations.

“There’s no tragic romance storyline in this one,” Van Hoorn said. “He is just a predator looking to wreak havoc.”

Kyle Redman takes on the title role, portraying a Dracula who is both charismatic and magnetic, while also viciously monstrous. Underneath the blood and horror, however, Van Hoorn says the story offers something unexpected: hope. This Dracula seeks to break his victims by convincing them that any resistance is futile, while the story’s imperfect heroes find the strength to continue fighting through one another.

“When they don’t find strength in themselves, they find strength in each other,” Van Hoorn said, noting that the production contains “some really beautiful heartfelt moments amidst all of the blood and gore.”

Due to the production’s mature and graphic content, audiences are encouraged to review the complete content advisories before attending.

Dracula runs Oct. 9-11 and 15-18 at Peoria Players Theatre. 

On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks to Director Jake Van Hoorn about Dracula, on stage Oct. 9-11 and 15-18 at Peoria Players Theatre.
Adapted by playwright Steven Dietz, this version stays close to Stoker&rsquo;s original novel, restoring characters, scenes and even some of the more gruesome elements often left out of other stage adaptations. In doing so, it leaves behind the romanticized Dracula familiar from some modern interpretations.
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no tragic romance storyline in this one,&rdquo; Van Hoorn said. &ldquo;He is just a predator looking to wreak havoc.&rdquo;
Kyle Redman takes on the title role, portraying a Dracula who is both charismatic and magnetic, while also viciously monstrous. Underneath the blood and horror, however, Van Hoorn says the story offers something unexpected: hope. This Dracula seeks to break his victims by convincing them that any resistance is futile, while the story&rsquo;s imperfect heroes find the strength to continue fighting through one another.
&ldquo;When they don&rsquo;t find strength in themselves, they find strength in each other,&rdquo; Van Hoorn said, noting that the production contains &ldquo;some really beautiful heartfelt moments amidst all of the blood and gore.&rdquo;
Due to the production&rsquo;s mature and graphic content, audiences are encouraged to review the complete <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1967028857299825/">content advisories</a> before attending.
<a href="https://www.peoriaplayers.org/dracula.html">Dracula</a> runs Oct. 9-11 and 15-18 at Peoria Players Theatre.

Photo exhibit explores Peoria's 'forgotten sculptor' Joseph Petarde

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